THE NYPD UNBREAKABLE LINEUP: NEW YORK FINEST BASEBALL CLUB AND THE POWER OF PERSEVERANCE
A Testament to Resilience, Brotherhood, and the Enduring Power of the Game.
To stand before the NYPD New York Finest Baseball Club,
moments before they took the field, was more than an honor—it was a sacred
trust.
My charge was not merely to speak, but to ignite; to deliver
a message that resonated with the core tenets of appreciation, the unwavering
strength of faith, and the bedrock of mutual respect.
These weren't mere pre-game remarks, or a simple prayer;
they were an echo of a lifelong calling, now given a resonant new voice through
my role during the last 8 months as the NYPD Honorary Law Enforcement
Motivational Speaker.
The event with the team in Paterson was an opportunity to
encourage the NYPD New York Finest Baseball Club players; individuals who selflessly
serve communities, day in and day out.
“The first NYPD Baseball Team was started in 1895. Our current club was started in 1994 and is the longest running baseball club in the history of the NYPD. We stand behind our motto: “TO PROMOTE GOODWILL, PROTECT AND PLAY BALL!” New York Finest Baseball Club
A DEBT OF GRATITUDE: HONORING THE PILLARS OF SUPPORT
No mission is accomplished alone. My deepest gratitude
extends to these outstanding NYPD and New York Finest Baseball Club individuals:
NYPD Sergeant Dave Basquez: A true champion
of collaboration and alumni of the team, Sergeant Basquez has been a steadfast point of contact since
my departmental appointment. His unwavering dedication to fostering
public-private partnerships was instrumental in forging the connection to the
NYPD Finest Baseball Team – a testament to his commitment.
NYPD ESU Member Dennis O’Sullivan: Two decades of
unwavering service to the NYPD, stationed with ESU in the Bronx, and an equal
span as a cornerstone of the NYPD Finest Baseball Team. As Manager, Dennis
embodies leadership. His gracious invitation for me to share words and a prayer
with the team was a profound privilege. The honor of his invitation to me to
spend the game with the club in the dugout, witnessing their tenacity
firsthand, was a direct result of his welcoming spirit. Presenting him with my
book, “And on the Eighth Day God Created the Yankees,” was a small token for his
dedication to his department, community, and the team.
John Walsh (NYPD Retd.): A foundational figure, John
Walsh's legacy spans 20 decorated years with the NYPD, and an astounding 31
years with NYPD Finest Baseball Club since its reestablishment in 1994. As
Assistant Manager, he's not just a steward of the team but a living archive of
its rich history – the quintessential historian of baseball. His gentlemanly
conduct and profound baseball acumen enriched my evening immeasurably.
The Entire NYPD Finest Baseball Team: Your grit, your
camaraderie, your unyielding passion for America’s pastime are not just
inspiring; they are a testament to the character forged in service. Sharing the
evening with you, and experiencing your dedication, was a profound honor. You
are more than a team; you are a brotherhood.
AN UNTIMELY FAREWELL: IN SACRED MEMORY OF DET.
DAVID RODRIGUEZ
The joy of the game,
however, was tinged with a profound and recent sorrow, a stark reminder of the
challenges of life:
Violence Suppression Division, and a valued member of the NYPD Finest Baseball Team, tragically died by suicide.
“His colleagues with
the department, and with the NYPD Finest Baseball Team, have rallied with
unwavering support, establishing a “Fund the First” campaign to help ease the
immense financial burdens now facing his family.
“Det. Rodriguez’s wife, herself an active Detective with the NYPD, and their children, are held in the thoughts and prayers of a grateful city.
“His absence leaves a
void, but his spirit endures in the hearts of his brothers and sisters in blue,
both on the force and on the field.” NYPD
Detectives Endowment Association
THE SENTINEL: A LEGACY OF EMPOWERMENT
This is not merely a record; it is
a living resource – a beacon for law enforcement, government leaders, and
communities.
The Sentinel champions the
non-negotiable power of principled leadership, vigilance and collaboration with
the imperative to work in unison to empower, encourage, and ignite character.
This endeavor is intrinsically
linked to my driving goal: to assist law enforcement agencies in becoming
national paragons of 21st Century Policing. This is a mission consistently
articulated in my articles for the National Association of Chiefs of Police
over the past 16 years.
HONORING SACRIFICE: THE SOUL OF
OUR NATION AND OUR PROFESSION
experiences my wife and I encountered at the World War II American military cemeteries in Italy in 2023.
We stood on that sacred ground not
as tourists, but as pilgrims, honoring those who paid the ultimate price for
freedom.
This profound respect for our
military, this reverence for lives laid down in service to liberty, is not
merely a sentiment – it is an indisputable pillar for the reawakening of our
nation and a cornerstone of the Nine Principles of American Policing.
This solemn honor extends equally
to our fallen law enforcement heroes, who made the ultimate sacrifice
protecting our communities.
From Bove journal, reflecting on
the Florence American WWII Cemetery:
“On these sacred
grounds lie 4,393 Americans... a large sculptured figure titled ‘The Spirit of
Peace’ watches over tablets bearing 1,409 names, missing in action. Walking
these hallowed grounds, we felt mystically connected to these sacred souls, a
deeper appreciation of America, and profoundly aware of the price of freedom.”
And from the Sicily-Rome American
Cemetery:
“Here in Nettuno is the
sacred burial ground of 7,858 Americans... 3,095 more names, missing in action,
lost or buried at sea, are engraved in stone within the chapel. These
visitations were enriching spiritual experiences, forever engraved into our
souls.”
These experiences are not just
memories; they are fuel. They ignite our resolve to serve with the same
unwavering commitment.
FROM GLOBAL INSIGHTS TO URGENT
ACTION: A CALL UNHEEDED IS A CRISIS INVITED
My journey after Italy in 2023, included
time in China and suicide prevention work with law enforcement in California,
culminated in a pivotal moment, which I shared briefly with the NYPD Finest
Team.
The urgency of this mission was
seared into my conscience while in California on November 7, 2023. It was due to a headline that pierced the
soul:
“Four current and
former L.A. Sheriff’s Department employees died by suicide in a 24-hour span.”
This headline inspired me to
develop an initiative for law enforcement throughout California, and when I
returned home, to assist the NYPD.
OPERATION RESILIENCY: A LIFELINE
FOR OUR PROTECTORS
This initiative has involved me
training peer support at NYPD and FDNY
academies, the MTAPD, NYPD promotion classes, NYPD fraternal organizations,
numerous Police Self Support Group presentations and events, firehouses, roll
calls, and suicide prevention training. At times, I have had the honor to work
in partnership with Dr. Stephen Wacshal of ConQueR Suicide.
Every interaction, every follow-up
chat and communication, reinforces the critical need for this work.
THE WOUNDED HEALER, THE ETHICAL
PROTECTOR: EMBRACING OUR SHARED HUMANITY
During many of my speaking
engagements, I share the transformative wisdom of Henri Nouwen’s "The
Wounded Healer."
“When
our wounds cease to be a source of shame, and become a source of healing, we
have become wounded healers.”
“Nobody escapes being wounded.
We are all wounded people.”
“Our service will not be
perceived as authentic, unless it comes from a heart wounded by the suffering
we encounter in others.”
“The
main question is not ‘How can we hide our wounds?’ but ‘How can we put our
woundedness in the service of others?’”
For law enforcement, this readily
translates to The Ethical Protector.
I challenge my audiences to also
embrace their identity even a step further as The Wounded Protector.
Each officer possesses a unique
moral compass influenced by their own challenges. Those who protect and serve
have a DNA hardwired to shield the innocent, the vulnerable, the helpless. This
intrinsic drive means that wherever a Wounded Protector stands, safety and
security will prevail.
THE WOUNDED PROTECTOR: A SANCTUARY FOR THE BROKENHEARTED
A personal story that I have shared
in many of my venues is as follows:
Consider the young
woman who approached me, her soul crying out: "I feel so broken inside...
invisible... if only someone would just acknowledge me, ask if I am OK."
The brokenhearted are among us – in
our families, communities, and within our departments.
We must respond with eyes and
hearts wide open, with unwavering compassion and empathy.
Consider Clare, an 86-year-old
woman, whom I am privileged to administer the Holy Eucharist to at a community
senior residence home. Clare shared the lifelong shadow cast by her father’s
suicide – NYPD Detective James Francis Carberry, lost in 1938.
Clare was ten, the first to find
him. Her plea, relayed through me, is a sacred trust:
“You have the power
through your encounters, observation skills, empathy, compassion, and
sixth-sense to respond to the warning signs of brokenness. Do so with kindness,
dignity, and affirmation – you can change, and save lives.”
THE HEALING POWER OF
AFFIRMATION: IGNITING HOPE
For 45 years, I have championed the
teachings of psychiatrist Dr. Conrad Baars. His core message:
Affirmation is a
catalyst that ignites hope into the human soul. It recognizes, appreciates, and
encourages.
As I often state:
“The challenges of life can deprive
individuals of unconditional love and appreciation.
“Yet, the
affirmative person, the wounded healer, and for us today, the wounded
protector, inspires healing of the body, mind, spirit, and emotions.”
A SACRED DUTY: THE SENTINEL’S
CREED
“My dedication to
this sacred duty is total and wholehearted. In the responsibility bestowed upon
me, never will I falter. And with dignity and perseverance my standard will
remain perfection.”
Let this creed resonate in your
noble, necessary, and admirable work. Know that you are appreciated and
admired.
FINAL REFLECTION: THE LIBERATION
MONUMENT – OUR ENDURING SYMBOL
This powerful image, a testament to
compassion, character, and courage, is one I frequently share. It is my fervent
hope to inspire law enforcement to connect with America’s legacy of heroism and
to uphold that standard in their own privileged service.
Ethical leadership is the bedrock.
Our public servants are a national
treasure. Our collective, unwavering commitment to support them will forge
America's rightful destiny as a beacon of moral leadership for the world.
ABOUT VINCENT
A sought-after national speaker, prolific author, and
trusted confidant, Bove’s profound insights and actionable strategies have
shaped critical discourse and fortified institutions across America.
A Prolific and Award-Winning Author:
Bove's intellectual contributions are vast, with over 325
published articles and four influential books addressing the nation's most
pressing challenges in ethical leadership, violence prevention, public safety,
and resiliency. Bove has an additional 500 works posted in his online
newsletter titled The Sentinel.
His fourth book, Reawakening America©, earned distinction as
a finalist for an ASIS International Book of the Year award, underscoring its
national significance.
The seminal Listen to Their Cries© was notably sponsored by
West Point for all attendees from colleges nationwide at his National
Conference on Ethics in America (NCEA) presentation, a testament to its
critical message.
Bove's work has been esteemed by countless law enforcement
agencies, educational institutions, and community leaders.
Esteemed by America's Premier Law Enforcement Agencies:
Recognized for his unwavering commitment, Vincent was
appointed Honorary Law Enforcement Motivational Speaker by the NYPD. He is a
pivotal force in championing principled leadership, bolstering morale,
fostering emotional resilience, and spearheading suicide prevention initiatives
at department events and roll calls.
His FBI Director's Community Leadership Award underscores
his profound impact. Bove has served as a recurrent keynote speaker at
prestigious FBI venues, delivering powerful addresses on leadership in times of
crisis, corruption, and national transformation to their audiences at Princeton
University, Fort Dix, Fort Monmouth, and FBI Field Offices.
Spearheading National Safety and Leadership Initiatives:
Bove’s influence extends to safeguarding major urban
centers. He developed and delivered the critical keynote series, Leadership
Principles: Crisis Planning, Community Partnerships, Violence Prevention©, to
fortify New York City.
These high-stakes sessions convened leaders from the NYPD,
FDNY, FBI, corporate security directors, and property managers at iconic venues
including:
· The
Museum of Modern Art (MoMA)
· The
New York Stock Exchange
· Rockefeller
University
· The
Union Club of New York
· Columbia
University and Fordham University
Innovator in Modern Policing and Community Safety:
A testament to his proactive approach, Bove developed the
groundbreaking program 21st Century Policing: America’s Ethical Protector©.
This certification program, launched through a major
conference in partnership with the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office (BCPO),
Bergen County Police Chiefs Association (BCPCA), and Bergen County Sheriff's
Office (BCSO), saw Bove direct the event and deliver its galvanizing keynote to
a cross-section of local, county, and state police agencies.
His long-standing commitment to community safety is further
evidenced by his 20-year service as liaison on violence prevention for the
BCPCA.
The widespread adoption of Listen To Their Cries© at events
like The Southern New Jersey Prosecutors Safe Schools Conference (a
collaboration of seven prosecutors representing over 300 police departments and
schools) and by the Bergen County Education Association (BCEA) for 279 schools,
highlights his reach and effectiveness.
A Leading Voice and Advocate:
Bove's expertise is also sought by America's military. He
has delivered numerous impactful presentations at West Point and a U.S. Air
Force leadership keynote at the Joint Base McGuire-Dix. He has authored many published works honoring
all branches of America’s armed forces.
Beyond his law enforcement and military advocacy, Bove has
served as a trusted confidant to New York Yankees players from two
world-champion teams. This included a
collaboration with twenty-eight Yankee players on his first book, a collection
of personal letters to fans.
Endorsed at the Highest Levels:
The U.S. Senate itself has recognized Vincent J. Bove's
exceptional standing:
“Vincent J. Bove is
considered one of the foremost national experts on school and workplace
violence prevention, specializing in facility protection, evacuations,
terrorism prevention and leadership training." – U.S. Senate
The NYPD: Leading Through a National Crisis ©
NYPD Employee Assistance Unit: Leading Through a National Crisis ©
21st Century Policing: Issues and Response
21st Century American Policing Demands Ethical Leadership
Police Suicides: Awareness, Compassion, Action
Safeguarding America’s Protectors: A Community Responsibility
America’s Law Enforcement Sacrifices Demand Eternal Gratitude
Igniting 21st Century Ethical Policing: Understanding the Profession
1. New York Finest Baseball Club, June 1, 2025. Credit: Reawakening America LLC (RALLC)
2. In Memoriam Dave Rodriquez. (Illustration Collage: RALLC)
3. New York Finest Baseball Club PJ Ragone #24, June 1, 2025. (RALLC)
4. New York Finest Baseball Club, June 1, 2025. (RALLC)
5. New York Finest Baseball Club, June 1, 2025. (RALLC)
6. The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, Bove article published by the NACOP. (Photo Credit RALLC)
7.The Liberation Monument, Jersey City, NJ. (RALLC)
8. New York Finest Baseball Club with Vincent J. Bove, June 1, 2025. (RALLC)
Labels: Collaborative Policing, Events, Law Enforcement, Leadership, Mental Health, New York Yankees, NYPD, Patriotism
posted by Vincent J. Bove, CPP at 3:14 PM
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